Mallory Daniels, Sartell
On Friday, I was reading the Newsleader and got to the last page. I saw something titled “The Ten Commandments of the Perfect Student.” I’m starting high school soon and thought it might be fun to read. However, when I got to No. 8 on the list I was shocked. I had to read it twice to make sure I was reading it right. Then, I flipped to the front page to make sure I had not somehow time-traveled to the 1950s. No, it was 2016.
The “Commandment” in question read: “Thou shalt respect the dress code. You will do better in life if you concentrate your efforts on your academic success and not on how to attract members of the opposite sex.” I was outraged. The fact this “commandment” insinuated I, a 14-year-old girl, was dressing only to attract boys offended me greatly. I wear shorts in the spring and fall for one reason: It’s hot. Our school lacks air conditioning in the classrooms. I was appalled this so-called “commandment” suggested in 85-degree heat I should be wearing pants and a sweatshirt, just so I did not attract boys. How well will I be doing in school when I cannot focus because of the heat? It’s 2016, so why am I still treated as an object? Why do people assume I exist to please boys? That what I wear and do is for boys? It’s not. I am my own person, and I do not exist to please, or impress, anybody. I do not dress for boys – or girls. I dress for myself. I wear what makes me feel confident and happy. I wear what’s appropriate for the weather. This is not the 1950s, and I should be able to wear what I want without being criticized and called names. I do not dress for anyone. I dress for myself.
(Editor’s note: The point of the “eighth commandment” on the back page of the Newsleaders on Aug. 26 was not to discourage individuals from expressing themselves through their clothing or by limiting their wardrobe choices. In no way, shape or form did we say one should have to wear “pants and a sweatshirt” on an 85-degree day. Individuals who work in this very office wear shorts and T-shirts to work, as this summer has been humid and sticky. We at the Newsleaders are simply trying to emphasize the importance of studies coming before more trivial things such as what you choose to pull out of your closet every morning. That being said, we are completely in favor of wearing whatever makes you feel confident and comfortable, and above all we whole-heartedly agree with the point made by Mallory Daniels of dressing for yourself and not others.)
